I am intrigued to watch some children's fascination with the digital camera. It is an obvious example of empowerment. A boy recently moved from afternoon to morning session (camera's only in mornings) demonstrated to us his fascination. One afternoon the camera was left out and he spotted it. I explained it should have been put in the office and soon he could use it when he comes to mornings. Mean some of you might say! Anyway it was worth the anticipation of the wait a few days later when he arrived for his first morning, he made a bee line for the camera, ripped it out of the bag. His fingers were exploring frenetically. The delight and obvious sense of empowerment was powerful for his self-esteem.
He is learning the rules of safe use of the camera and uses it each day, producing about 20 plus photos a day (week one!) What does he take photos of? Parents and children, resources, profile bookshelf, fish tank, the laptop, etc. He has a series of photos studying the duplo, working out about distance from objects (focus), objects from various angles. He is using the camera as a viewing lens on events and people at kindergarten. When we ask him to view and select some photos for printing, which will he choose as having value to him?
This child is innovative in his approach without any rules of composition, no fear of pushing the 'wrong" buttons. He is using the camera as a tool to begin making social connections. When a child objecting to repeating photographing he learnt about asking for permission first. The role of the camera is not limited to producing photos. It is a powerful prop in a child's hands.
He is learning the rules of safe use of the camera and uses it each day, producing about 20 plus photos a day (week one!) What does he take photos of? Parents and children, resources, profile bookshelf, fish tank, the laptop, etc. He has a series of photos studying the duplo, working out about distance from objects (focus), objects from various angles. He is using the camera as a viewing lens on events and people at kindergarten. When we ask him to view and select some photos for printing, which will he choose as having value to him?
This child is innovative in his approach without any rules of composition, no fear of pushing the 'wrong" buttons. He is using the camera as a tool to begin making social connections. When a child objecting to repeating photographing he learnt about asking for permission first. The role of the camera is not limited to producing photos. It is a powerful prop in a child's hands.